Football: Allen's got his lucky boots for Bees' sting; FA CUP.

Byline: BY Mike McGRATH 

Brentford 2

Sunderland 1

DUDLEY "DJ" CAMPBELL grabbed the headlines following the FA Cup upset against Sunder-land, but most at Griffin Park also acknowledged how victory reflected the ambition at the club.

The Bees were on the brink of relegation from League One when Martin Allen took over early in 2004, but have since had two memorable cup campaigns and are promotion candidates, with Allen's reputation growing.

With the Bees more than pounds 7m in debt, Allen has been resourceful in assembling his squad.

Campbell was a pounds 5,000 signing from non-League Yeading, while stand-in right-back John Mous-inho was plucked out of an American university.

Along with his fresh approach and eye for a bargain, Allen also has his lucky brown suede boots - the subject of ridicule during the previous round against Luton - for FA Cup ties.

"My boots sum up our little club," he said. "We haven't got the best shoes on but the shoes do a good job and take us forward.

"I'm proud to wear them even if they've got a few holes in them - they certainly don't cost a lot of money.

"I've had them for years and when that bloke at Luton took the mickey out of them I knew in my heart of hearts that they were the boots to carry me forward."

Although Sunderland and Brentford could be playing each other in the Championship next season, the 2-1 victory was still a giant-killing to add to Allen's CV, alongside the unlikely draw against Southampton in last season's competition.

Regardless of the level of opposition, goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, who conceded a fortuitous Julio Arca leveller between Campbell's brace, revealed the confidence and work ethic Allen has instilled throughout the squad.

Nelson said: "He gives us the belief we can win every game. He says if you work hard and compete you will always get chances.

"DJ's the match-winner as he was the one that put the ball over the line. They were two magnificent goals but he also got great service and the defence limited them to one fluky goal.

"There are no superstars here. We're all one team. There are a few players that get the limelight, but that tends to be because of their position."

Midfielder Jay Tabb added: "Last year we had a taste of it - it was my first game against a Premiership side last season which was overwhelming - but we were used to it and I went about it like a normal league game this time."

Allen insists he does not mind who Brentford face next but new chairman Greg Dyke is hoping to face a big Premiership side, possibly Manchester United where he used to be a director.

The supporters' trust has recently become majority shareholders at the club, with a high-profile fixture needed to reduce their debts.

"We'd like to be away at Old Trafford or at Chelsea if they beat Everton," Dyke said.

"This place is so excited. A week ago the supporters took over the club, a week later the players produce a performance to knock a Premier League team out."

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy defended his decision to give Kevin Kyle his first appearance in more than a year, with the Scotland striker back from a hip injury.

McCarthy said: "He's fit and fine. He had to come back at some stage, he's been training for about a month and played reserve games."

I'm proud to wear them even if they've got a few holes

MARTIN ALLEN

CAPTION(S):

Brentford's Dudley Campbell celebrates his second goal against Sunderland